Startup Data Security Errors and How to Avoid Them

Protecting startup data is something you will want to think about from day one. When starting up a business, security should be something that keeps you and your data safe.

It would take much too long to go over the lessons of data protection in one article. Here are some common startup data security errors often made.

Read on!

1. Having Poor Password Protection

Poor password protection affects both employees and customers. It makes the company vulnerable to malicious threats such as data breaches and identity theft.

Companies should employ managed IT services that can help set up and administer a secure password policy. By taking the right measures to protect passwords, startups can ensure their data is better protected from malicious actors and protect their customer’s data as well.

2. Failing to Use Two-Factor Authentication

When launching a startup, data security is of the utmost importance. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled.

Two-factor authentication is a method of authentication. It requires two pieces of evidence to ensure secure access to systems, networks, and websites.

This second piece of evidence can be a one-time password sent to a registered device or an authentication code generated by an app. If this two-factor authentication is not enabled, account credentials can be easily stolen, and all of the startup’s valuable data can be compromised.

To avoid this disastrous security breach, make sure the two-factor authentication is enabled for all accounts, including:

• Databases
• Servers
• Websites
• Social media accounts
• Internal mailboxes

Additionally, remind employees to enable two-factor authentication on their personal accounts, as well as on any shared devices. By taking the time to secure your accounts, you can rest assured that your startup’s data remains safe and secure.

3. Neglecting to Back up Data Regularly

Startup data security is paramount for any business owner. Neglecting to back up data regularly is one of the most common and detrimental errors that startups make.

Without regular data backups, businesses lose access to valuable data and funds necessary for operations. To avoid neglecting to back up data regularly, businesses should be sure to keep proper backups off-site secured in a safe location.

It is important to ensure that the backups are stored away from the premises, as natural disasters or theft could result in the loss of backups if stored in-house. Backing up data should be run frequently, preferably every night, and tested to ensure reliability.

4. Not Using Up-to-Date Security Protocols

Startup data security is an important issue that must not be overlooked. Not using up-to-date security protocols can have serious implications for a company both legally and on a reputation level.

It is important to ensure that all data is secure and that necessary security protocols are being filled. Companies should invest in updated firewalls, encryption, and antivirus software to maintain secure data.

It is also important to ensure passwords are up-to-date and secure and that any confidential data stored online is kept secure with two-factor authentication.

5. Failing to Encrypt Sensitive Data

Failing to encrypt sensitive data is a common data security error, particularly in startup companies. This error occurs when the data stored in a system or stored on a server is not encrypted, making it vulnerable to attackers.

To avoid failing to encrypt sensitive data, organizations must employ the use of encryption software and procedures. This software and price

Organizations should take steps to ensure that encryption applies to data stored on any device, whether it is servers, laptops, or flash drives. Moreover, organizations should regularly test the encryption of their system to guarantee that data is always protected.

6. Relying on a Single Cloud Provider

Startups commonly rely on a single Cloud provider to handle all their ever-growing data needs. This is the worst-case scenario when it comes to data security errors.

Having a single source of data creates a single source of failure in any breach in the Cloud’s security. It will potentially expose the entire data to compromise. The best way to protect data is to not depend on a single cloud provider to store, process and access the data.

Using multiple cloud providers allows startups to diversify their data across multiple sources, thereby reducing the risk of a security breach.

7. Failing to Monitor User Activities

Failing to monitor user activities may be one of the most critical startup data security errors. This often occurs when vendors, employees, or external users access data remotely.

Without monitoring user activities, such as logging into accounts, any changes made to the data remain undetected. It can lead to data leakage, fraud, or even worse. Hence, businesses must keep track of the submitted user requests and their respective activities to guard against potential breaches.

8. Failing to Train Staff on Essential Security Protocols

Companies need to prioritize proper training so that their staff are aware of the correct security practices. Without an understanding of these protocols, staff can more easily make errors that can lead to a security breach.

To ensure that security protocols are properly followed, companies need to make sure employees are properly trained. They should be taught to identify potential threats and are aware of the company’s security protocols and procedures.

Employees should receive regular training and refresher courses to make sure they do not forget the essential protocols or let their skills gap.

Avoid These Startup Data Security Errors Today

Data security is a critical component of a successful startup. Utilizing the information provided here, startup administrators can ensure that their data is secure and privacy laws are abided by.

Take the first step and startup data security errors to secure your startup’s data today!